IKEA Tradfri Remote Control review

 Why did I buy?

 When we start to build smart home, most of people think voice command first.

Probably that is because it looks awesome, but it will get annoying very soon.

That's why next step is automation.

 

However automation rules have always exceptions, so we need to make another solution.

For example I want to close curtain after sunset, and I make automation rule.

One day I want to do it eariler than usual. What can I do for closing curtain?

 

Maybe voice command is good, but what if I'm in the situation where I can't speak?

So I need physical button for those reasons.

 

I have got some buttons from Xiaomi,

but it has only one button with two functions (press, long press)

IKEA Tradfri has 5 buttons and I can add more functions in smartthings app.

IKEA Tradfri Remote Control

 

 

 How to use

Originally it should work with only IKEA products,

but some people who are interested in smart home, connect IKEA to smartthings.

After connection, there are so many ways to use.

 

Here is how I use with IKEA button.

 

1. light control

I can control smart light.

Even though it is not IKEA bulb, I can do it, if the bulb is set in smartthings.

I connected IKEA button to Philips hue, and I can turn on/off lights

 

IKEA Tradfri Remote Control with Philips hue

 

Moreover I set sleep mode, that has brightness 1%.

Just before I fall asleep, I change the mode to make cozy mood.

 

IKEA Tradfri Remote Control sleep mode

 

2. Radio on/off

IKEA button is connected to Galaxy home mini.

I can listen to radio via Galaxy home mini without voice command.

2021.02.27 - [Review/Electronics] - Galaxy home mini speaker (Samsung AI speaker)

 

3. TV on/off

Actually it is also Galaxy home mini function, which has IR signal inside.

Of course I have remote, but I don't like having many remotes.

I always put TV remote on my table, and put IKEA button next to bed.

 

IKEA Tradfri Remote Control TV on/off

 

4. Plug on/off

I have smart power strips, that is working with smartthings.

I can turn on/off power strip, lying down on the bed.

 

 

 

 PROS and CONS

PROS

• Good design
• 5 buttons
• Compatible with smartthings

CONS

• More expensive than others (about 15 USD?)
• Hub is necessary (not included)

 

 Should buy?

If you have only light, other cheap buttons could be better.

However if you have many smart devices, it is worthy.